The UK Government has responded to proposals in an online petition calling for an end to the BBC TV licence fee for every person over State Pension age. More than 33,700 people have signed in support of Michael Thompson’s argument that due to soaring food and utility bill costs there is a “desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession”.
In a written response on the petitions-parliament website, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) didn’t openly reject the proposal – but it didn’t directly acknowledge it either. Instead, it highlighted how older people over 75 may be eligible for a free TV licence if they are in receipt of Pension Credit and the extension to the Simple Payment Plan, which helps spread the cost of the annual fee which is set to rise to £174.50 from April.
The Simple Payment Plan allows households struggling to pay the £169.50 annual fee the opportunity to spread the costs over 12 months, into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments.
The DCMS said the BBC’s analysis suggests that the expansion could double the number of households using the Simple Payment Plan to around 500,000 by the end of 2027.
The response continued: “The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues and, as a priority for this Government, will start a national conversation to make sure the BBC truly represents and delivers for every person in this country.
“As we address these vital issues about the future of the BBC, we must also ensure that there is a sustainable funding model that is fair for those who pay for it. The Government will be taking forward this issue as part of the Charter Review process, since what the BBC does and its future role is fundamentally influenced by how it is funded.
“The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.”
You can read the DCMS’ full response on the petitions-parliament website here.
People can sign the ‘Fund free TV licences for all pensioners’ petition until May 26, 2025. At 100,000 signatures of support, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
- A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
- It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon prime and YouTube
You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
Ways to pay for a TV licence
A TV licence currently costs £169.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:
- Pay by monthly Direct Debit – from £14 per month
- Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
- Pay by quarterly Direct Debit – it works out at around £44 per payment
- Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme – find out more here.
People who are registered blind are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£84.75) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years – if they have been the registered TV licence holder.
Free TV Licence for over-75s
If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you’ll then be covered by your free licence. They will confirm this in writing.
If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but don’t currently have a TV licence, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.